Trump confirms calling Netanyahu 'crazy' over Lebanon actions

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed a fiery phone exchange with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during which Trump reportedly called Netanyahu "completely crazy." The conversation, described by Axios as one of the worst between the two leaders, highlighted a significant rift over Israel's military policy in Lebanon.

According to reports, Trump harshly criticized Netanyahu, demanding Israel accept a ceasefire with Hezbollah. An American official summarized Trump's message as: "You're a f exting crazy person. You'd be in prison without me. I'm saving your ass. Everyone hates you now. Everyone hates Israel because of you."

“

You're a f exting crazy person. You'd be in prison without me. I'm saving your ass. Everyone hates you now. Everyone hates Israel because of you.

Trump allegedly "crushed" Netanyahu, who responded with brief affirmations. Trump himself confirmed the exchange in a New York Post podcast, stating, "It bothers me that he keeps waging war in Lebanon. At one point, I said, 'Bibi, we have to stop this.'" He admitted, "Yes, I called him crazy."

“

It bothers me that he keeps waging war in Lebanon. At one point, I said, 'Bibi, we have to stop this.'

The call was directly linked to Israel's threat to bomb southern Beirut. Trump's anger was not merely emotional but stemmed from a precise geopolitical calculation. U.S. officials indicated that while Trump acknowledged Israel's right to respond to Hezbollah's attacks, he felt the Israeli military's reaction was disproportionate, jeopardizing Washington's efforts to secure a ceasefire extension with Iran. Tehran had conditioned any agreement on a ceasefire in Lebanon.

Trump also reportedly pressured Netanyahu personally, reminding him that he had helped prevent him from going to prison, referencing Netanyahu's ongoing corruption trial. This personal pressure, described as unusually brutal for an ally, appeared to be a deliberate tactic by Trump to ensure Netanyahu's compliance.

“

Yes, I called him crazy.